Published: Monday, October 8, 2012 at 08:00 AM.

A few months ago, while in Atlanta traveling back from a business trip to Philadelphia, I too had an encounter with Congressman Southerland. I was sitting in coach on an aisle seat when I looked up and saw Mr. Southerland, looking for his own seat. Even though I live in Bay County, I had never met the congressman.

He was going to be the lucky one who had to sit by the window in my row, where there were three seats. As I got up to let him in, I told him I had not voted for him in the primary, but I probably would in the future. He gave a little chuckle and sat down.

As a person who has always been very interested in politics, I realized as I was sitting down that I now had Congressman Southerland cornered, since I was on the aisle seat and he was two seats down by the window. Immediately, I proceeded to ask him many questions about Congress and issues that concern me. He was very gracious and was very willing to answer all my questions.

Sometimes later, a young woman stopped at our row and I realized she would be the one sitting in the middle seat. I got up and let her in and Congressman Southerland and I continued our talk. After listening to the conversation between the congressman and myself, the woman looked up and said to Congressman Southerland, “You must be in politics.” I told her he was our congressman and she proceeded to join our conversation.

After sitting on the plane for some time, the pilot announced on the speaker that there was a problem with the plane so we would have to deplane. We gathered our belongings and walked back to the gate. Once at the gate, we were told of a gate change, so we proceeded to another gate.

After finally settling down, I remembered in my bag I had some fresh Amish cookies that I frequently bring back from my trips to Philadelphia. I asked our new friend and Congressman Southerland if they would like one, and they both said yes. As I was getting the cookies, Congressman Southerland decided we needed milk to go along with the cookies, so he left to buy some milk for the three of us. A few minutes later he returned with three cartons.

A few months ago, while in Atlanta traveling back from a business trip to Philadelphia, I too had an encounter with Congressman Southerland. I was sitting in coach on an aisle seat when I looked up and saw Mr. Southerland, looking for his own seat. Even though I live in Bay County, I had never met the congressman.

He was going to be the lucky one who had to sit by the window in my row, where there were three seats. As I got up to let him in, I told him I had not voted for him in the primary, but I probably would in the future. He gave a little chuckle and sat down.

As a person who has always been very interested in politics, I realized as I was sitting down that I now had Congressman Southerland cornered, since I was on the aisle seat and he was two seats down by the window. Immediately, I proceeded to ask him many questions about Congress and issues that concern me. He was very gracious and was very willing to answer all my questions.

Sometimes later, a young woman stopped at our row and I realized she would be the one sitting in the middle seat. I got up and let her in and Congressman Southerland and I continued our talk. After listening to the conversation between the congressman and myself, the woman looked up and said to Congressman Southerland, “You must be in politics.” I told her he was our congressman and she proceeded to join our conversation.

After sitting on the plane for some time, the pilot announced on the speaker that there was a problem with the plane so we would have to deplane. We gathered our belongings and walked back to the gate. Once at the gate, we were told of a gate change, so we proceeded to another gate.

After finally settling down, I remembered in my bag I had some fresh Amish cookies that I frequently bring back from my trips to Philadelphia. I asked our new friend and Congressman Southerland if they would like one, and they both said yes. As I was getting the cookies, Congressman Southerland decided we needed milk to go along with the cookies, so he left to buy some milk for the three of us. A few minutes later he returned with three cartons.

Finally, we boarded another plane and the three of us continued our conversation about Washington and politics. The configuration of the seats was the same as the previous plane, so once again Congressman Southerland was in coach by the window.

So, as you see, my experience with Congressman Southerland was totally different from Mr. Gary W. Andrews’. I found the Congressman to be very gracious, kind and extremely willing to talk with us about issues that concern his constituents.

Being in Washington has not, as we say, gone to his head.

I am proud to now support Congressman Southerland and will certainly vote for him in the general election.